A CRITICAL shortage of highland band pipers is affecting several visiting bands and may stop them taking part in the Maryborough Highland Gathering street march on Friday.

Officials are very concerned that a reduction in the number of younger people learning the bagpipes is having a detrimental effect on pipe band numbers.

With the retirement of older members, it has reached a critical stage in the viability of some pipe bands.

It is reliably reported that the Australian Defence Department has disbanded the Australian Army Highland Pipe Band, which is a disappointment for highland pipe band supporters.

An urgent appeal has been put out for volunteer pipers to support the City of Horsham Pipe Band and the St Arnaud (Norman Simpson Memorial) Pipe Band so that the two bands can take part in Friday’s street march.

Band officials are keen to take part in the street parade and in the on-oval presentation, but are short of several pipers.

While highland pipe bands in the local region are strong in Maryborough, Castlemaine and Daylesford, there is continuing pressure on the number of available pipers in St Arnaud and Horsham.

If these two bands can each obtain the services of several pipers, they will be able to fulfil their obligations in Maryborough on Friday and provide the bands with some desperately needed funds and confidence.

Volunteer pipers can contact the Horsham Pipe Band on 0412 320 127 or the St Arnaud Pipe Band on 5461 1904, or email maxmcdfl@impulse.net.au indicating their offers of support.

The street parade starts at 11am and the oval renditions are of about 15 minutes during the afternoon.